Harry Redknapp has played down the prospect of a sensational return to Tottenham, even as manager Igor Tudor faces mounting pressure following a disastrous start to his tenure. The 78-year-old former Spurs boss, who guided the club to Champions League qualification in 2010, has been touted as a potential replacement after Tudor suffered four consecutive defeats in all competitions.
Tudor, appointed last month after Thomas Frank's departure, has overseen a 4-1 loss to Arsenal in the North London Derby, Premier League defeats to Fulham and Crystal Palace, and a 5-2 Champions League hammering by Atletico Madrid. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone, sparking fears of a first drop to the Championship in 49 years.
Speaking at the Cheltenham Festival, Redknapp told the Press Association: 'I've been asked a few times if I'd go back to Spurs and it's probably not going to happen, is it? Would I go back? Of course I would, but I doubt very much it's going to happen.' He added: 'They haven't been in touch, not at all. I hope Spurs stay up and I hope West Ham stay up.'
Redknapp's comments come amid reports of player discontent under Tudor, with some squad members reportedly viewing his approach as 'disrespectful' and 'borderline mocking'. The decision to substitute goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky after a 16-minute spell in which three goals were conceded from individual errors has been cited as an example of perceived heavy-handedness.
Tudor's position is under scrutiny ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash at Liverpool, with former Spurs midfielder Jamie O'Hara among those backing Redknapp to take over. However, Redknapp demurred, stating his focus was on his horse, The Jukebox Man, in the Gold Cup, saying: 'My only concern at the minute is The Jukebox Man, I'm nothing to do with Spurs any more.'
